A beer glass or tankard is one of the most popular gifts on this site, and many of them are personalised. Before you choose a design, decide on the material, check the size, and make sure you understand how the engraving is done and whether the item can be returned.
Glass shows off the colour and head of a beer, crystal adds weight and clarity, pewter and stainless steel last for decades, and wooden tankards are mostly decorative with a metal liner. Each has different care needs, which matters if the glass will go in a dishwasher every week.
This guide covers materials, sizes, shapes, engraving and the practical points to check before you order.
Materials compared
| Material | Good points | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Soda lime glass | Affordable, clear, easy to engrave | Can chip; thin glass breaks more easily |
| Lead-free crystal | Clear, bright, often thinner rim | Usually hand wash only |
| Lead crystal | Heavy and sparkling | Contains lead oxide; best kept for occasional use |
| Pewter | Very durable, traditional tankard look | Hand wash only; modern pewter is lead-free |
| Stainless steel | Unbreakable, double wall keeps drinks cool | You cannot see the beer |
| Wood with steel liner | Rustic look, popular as a gift | Wood should not be soaked or put in a dishwasher |
Modern English pewter is mostly tin, typically around 91 to 92 %, with small amounts of antimony and copper, and lead was removed from the British standard alloy in 1974. If you buy an antique pewter tankard, treat it as decorative.
Compare options in the beer glass and beer mug ranges.
Sizes
In Ireland and the UK, beer in pubs is served by the imperial pint, which is 568 ml, and the half pint, 284 ml. When you buy a glass online:
- Check whether the size is to the brim or to a line. A glass sold as “pint” may hold 568 ml only when filled to the very top, which leaves no space for a head.
- Look at the ml figure, not the name. “Large”, “stein” and “tankard” are not fixed sizes.
- Mind continental sizes. Wheat beer and pilsner glasses often come in 300, 330, 500 or 630 ml.
Shapes and what they do
The shape changes how a beer looks and smells, which is why breweries design their own glasses:
- Nonic and conical pint glasses: everyday glasses for ales, stouts and lagers. The bulge on a nonic gives grip and stops glasses sticking when stacked.
- Tankards and dimpled mugs: heavy, with a handle, so your hand does not warm the beer.
- Wheat beer glasses: tall and curved, leaving room for a large head.
- Pilsner glasses: tall and slim, showing off clarity and bubbles.
- Tulip and snifter glasses: narrow at the top to hold aroma, often used for stronger beers in smaller measures.
Engraving and personalisation
Personalised glasses are made in several ways, and the method affects how long the design lasts:
- Laser or sandblast engraving cuts into the surface. It is permanent and will not wash off, though dishwasher detergents can slowly dull the glass.
- Hand etching gives a similar frosted look, often with finer detail.
- Printing or vinyl allows full colour designs but can fade or peel, especially in a dishwasher.
Before you order, check the spelling of names and dates carefully, the maximum number of characters, the font, and the production time. Handmade and personalised items from small makers can take days or weeks to make before they are posted.
Remember too that under UK and EU consumer rules, the usual right to cancel an online order does not apply to goods made to your specifications or clearly personalised. Read the seller’s returns policy before ordering, and keep a copy of your personalisation details.
Care
- Glass: many engraved glasses survive the dishwasher, but hand washing keeps them clearer for longer.
- Crystal and pewter: hand wash in warm water with a little mild detergent and dry straight away.
- Wooden tankards: wipe the outside, wash the steel liner by hand and never soak.
- Storage: store glasses upright and avoid stacking engraved glasses, which can scratch.
Gift sets with glasses and a carrier or crate are another option, see beer boxes and the wider beer accessories range. If the gift is for someone starting to brew, the guide to home brewing equipment explains what they will need.
Quick checklist
- Choose the material based on use and care.
- Check the volume in ml and whether it is to the brim.
- Pick a shape that suits the beer style.
- Confirm the engraving method and how durable it is.
- Double check names, dates and character limits.
- Allow time for production and delivery.
- Read the returns policy for personalised items.
Common questions
Is a pewter tankard safe to drink from?
Modern pewter made to the British standard is lead-free and is mostly tin. Old or antique pewter may contain lead, so keep antique pieces for display.
Can engraved glasses go in the dishwasher?
Laser and sandblast engraving will not wash off, but regular dishwasher use can dull the glass over time. Printed and vinyl designs are more likely to fade, so hand washing is safer.
Can I return a personalised glass?
Often not. The standard right to cancel online orders does not cover personalised goods, so check the seller’s policy before you order.
